THE GOAN | NETWORK
PANAJI
Dempo SC's blue brigade proved to be too strong as they demolished Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim 7-0 in a no-contest in a GFA Pro League encounter at Duler Stadium on Thursday.
Four goals from Felix Odili Chidi (13’, 36’, 42’, 80’) and one each from Kapil Hoble (24’), Anthony D’Souza (45’) and Beevan D’Mello (58’) ensured the Panaji-based side secured the maximum points.
Right from word go, Dempo were all over the Cavelossim half with their star Nigerian striker Chidi positioning himself in the rival box once too often and capitalizing on most of the occasions that came his way. Young Dempo midfielders, Kapil Hoble and Beevan D’Mello were also having a field day and with alarming alacrity stormed into the enemy bastion to create havoc.
While the coastal side from the South were at sea in the first half 0-5, they came from the breather looking slightly better but only to concede another two goals. The Dempo skipper, Shallum Pires, who plies his trade in defence even looked to exchange his trade briefly for attack by taking a shy at the horizontal early into the second half. Cavelossim striker Aaren D’Silva made quite a few impressive advances into the Dempo’s half, but he found little support upfront and his skilful efforts were negated each time.
Such was Dempo’s dominance over their southern rivals that their custodian was barely tested. The only time Dempo’s stopper-back Priyant Kumar Singh was challenged was towards end of regulation time when he closed down the narrow angle from quite close to thwart the attacker’s tryst to salvage some pride for the losing side.
With this convincing win, Dempo SC move to third position with 22 points from 11 games (same as FC Bardez who are on second position). Sporting Clube de Goa are atop of the 11-team pile with 27 points.
